Chain rule of partial derivatives

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating partial derivatives using the chain rule for a function defined in terms of two other functions. The original poster defines a function f(x,y) and two functions g1(u,v) and g2(u,v), leading to a composite function h(u,v) = f(g1(u,v), g2(u,v)). The task is to find the derivatives dh/du and dh/dv at a specific point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply the chain rule and expresses h in terms of u and v, but expresses uncertainty about the correctness of their approach. They also mention drawing a chain rule tree diagram.
  • Some participants question the original poster's understanding of the chain rule and suggest alternative methods for differentiation.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of certain factors in the differentiation process and the handling of multiple variables.

Discussion Status

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexity of multiple variables and the implications of defining functions in terms of one another. There is mention of confusion regarding the variables involved and the application of the chain rule, indicating potential gaps in understanding that are being addressed through discussion.

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Homework Statement


Suppose f(x,y) = 2x^5 + 4xy + 2y^3
g1(u,v) = u^2 - v^2
g2(u,v) = uv
h(u,v) = f(g1(u,v), g2(u,v))

Use chain rule to calculate:
dh/du (1,-1) and dh/dv (1,-1)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



i let h (u,v) = 2(u^2 - v^2)^5 + 4(u^2-v^2)(uv) + 2(u-v)^3
then i tried drawing a chain rule tree diagram:

h --> f --> g1 and g2

g1 --> x and y

g2 --> x and y

so dh/du = (dh/df . df/dx . dx/du) + (dh/df . df/dy . dy/du)

then i got stuck :S

help please?
 
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Stuck how?
 
im not sure if my chain rule is correct to begin..i found this in my textbook though on calculating partial derivatives with changes in variables:

dh/du = dh/dg1 . dg1/du + dh/dg2 . dg2/du

so i followed that instead...
and got this

since h (u,v) = 2(u^2 - v^2)^5 + 4(u^2-v^2)(uv) + 2(u-v)^3

dh/dg1 = 10(u^2-v^2)^4 + 4uv

dg1/du = v

is that right so far?
 
h is just a different name for f(g1(u,v), g2(u,v)), so the factor of dh/df in your original attempt is unnecessary.

Since you wrote out h(u,v) explicitly in terms of u and v, you can simply differentiate it as you normally would do to find the answer you should get.

What's probably confusing you are all the variables. So try it like this:
h = f(g_1, g_2) = 2g_1^5 + 4g_1g_2 +2g_2^3so\frac{\partial h}{\partial g_1} = 10g_1^4 + 4g_2and then express the g's in terms of u and v. (This gives you what you got above.) Do the same thing with g2. Then put those together with the partial derivatives of the g's to form the final result. (You got \partial g_1/\partial u incorrect.)
 

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